Cold Steel Paradox

I have yet to handle a more aptly named knife than the Paradox, which, despite first impressions, is not actually a balisong – or butterfly – knife, but a two-handed opener with integral springs in the handles that make it more reminiscent of a slipjoint folder. The result is a product with all the looks of a classic butterfly-style blade without the issues regarding legality that many balisong enthusiasts face.

It’s quite a large knife overall. The leaf-shaped hollow ground blade is five-and-a-half inches long and made from Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel. The skeletonized handles are CNC machined aluminum with a hard-anodized coating and comes with a stainless steel pocket or belt clip.

Overall, the Cold Steel Paradox lives up to its name, and I’m sure its design and novelty factor will appeal to many knife-lovers out there.